EU report shows still much to do to secure LGBTI rights

posted by Patrick Robertshaw | June 01, 2015

SNP Member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith welcomes the progress made across Europe in protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people but is concerned by the continued levels of discrimination across the EU.

The report points out that although LGBTI rights are protected by EU law the reality is that discrimination persists “taking various forms including verbal abuse and physical violence.”

Alyn said:

“Although I am pleased with the progress that has been made recognising the rights of LGBTI people across the EU we still have a long way to go to see complete equality.

“There is clearly some room for celebration since ten member states, including Scotland and the UK, currently recognise same-sex marriage when just two decades ago not one member state did.

“Much remains to be done. Securing the right for same sex couples to marry across the EU should be just a starting point. We need common interpretations of gender identity discrimination laws across the EU, particularly in asylum cases where there currently is no uniform interpretation of the directive concerned.

“I will continue to work with colleagues from across Scotland and the EU wherever it is possible to help combat discrimination.”